Broos close to getting his flowers as Bafana march closer to World Cup with Lesotho win

AT the country’s City of Roses, Hugo Broos — through the football gods and his united team — could smell his flowers and realise a childhood dream!

- MIHLALI BALEKA

The Bafana Bafana coach guided his team to a comfortable 3-0 win over rivals Lesotho at the Toyota Stadium last night, taking a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

The road to North America could be clearer and smoother by Tuesday night if Bafana beat arch-rivals Nigeria at this same venue. They are now top of Group C with 16 points, with three games to go.

Qualifying for the global showpiece would bring things full circle for the 73-year-old, as it would mark his return to the competition 40 years after playing in it on the same continent.

The Belgian-born coach displayed tactical ability, leadership, and bravery, hardly flinching when his back was against the wall - almost like a conductor leading an orchestra as the passionate stands echoed around him.

Broos showed he was in control, and with nerves of steel. He brushed aside Lesotho’s earlier threat to play the match under protest if Bafana dared to field Teboho Mokoena, who had an ineligibility case hanging over him.